CA1276281C - Missing bearing detector - Google Patents
Missing bearing detectorInfo
- Publication number
- CA1276281C CA1276281C CA000540110A CA540110A CA1276281C CA 1276281 C CA1276281 C CA 1276281C CA 000540110 A CA000540110 A CA 000540110A CA 540110 A CA540110 A CA 540110A CA 1276281 C CA1276281 C CA 1276281C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- crankshaft
- assembly
- engine assembly
- engine
- angular position
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Lifetime
Links
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07C—TIME OR ATTENDANCE REGISTERS; REGISTERING OR INDICATING THE WORKING OF MACHINES; GENERATING RANDOM NUMBERS; VOTING OR LOTTERY APPARATUS; ARRANGEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS FOR CHECKING NOT PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE
- G07C3/00—Registering or indicating the condition or the working of machines or other apparatus, other than vehicles
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01H—MEASUREMENT OF MECHANICAL VIBRATIONS OR ULTRASONIC, SONIC OR INFRASONIC WAVES
- G01H1/00—Measuring characteristics of vibrations in solids by using direct conduction to the detector
- G01H1/003—Measuring characteristics of vibrations in solids by using direct conduction to the detector of rotating machines
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
- G01N29/00—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves; Visualisation of the interior of objects by transmitting ultrasonic or sonic waves through the object
- G01N29/14—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves; Visualisation of the interior of objects by transmitting ultrasonic or sonic waves through the object using acoustic emission techniques
Landscapes
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Acoustics & Sound (AREA)
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Analytical Chemistry (AREA)
- Biochemistry (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Immunology (AREA)
- Pathology (AREA)
- Shafts, Cranks, Connecting Bars, And Related Bearings (AREA)
- Testing Of Engines (AREA)
Abstract
ABSTRACT
A missing bearing detector for an internal combustion engine in which the engine, at an early stage in the assembly process, is tested on the assembly line by rotating the crankshaft to move the piston assemblies through their reciprocal cycles; microphones are placed near the engine to pick up high intensity noises indicative of missing bearing parts; and encoder signals are generated for transmission to a comparator where they are compared to the noise signals generated by the microphones to indicate whether a bearing is missing and to indicate the particular piston assembly in which the bearing is missing. The detector also functions to distinguish between upper and lower bearing shell halves by noting whether relatively low level or relatively high level thresholds are violated b? the fault signal and also distinguishes between pairs of piston assemblies moving in phased relationship by providing a pair of microphones axially spaced along the engine to thereby generate relatively high intensity and relatively low intensity fault signals depending upon the distance of the respective microphone from the faulty piston assembly.
A missing bearing detector for an internal combustion engine in which the engine, at an early stage in the assembly process, is tested on the assembly line by rotating the crankshaft to move the piston assemblies through their reciprocal cycles; microphones are placed near the engine to pick up high intensity noises indicative of missing bearing parts; and encoder signals are generated for transmission to a comparator where they are compared to the noise signals generated by the microphones to indicate whether a bearing is missing and to indicate the particular piston assembly in which the bearing is missing. The detector also functions to distinguish between upper and lower bearing shell halves by noting whether relatively low level or relatively high level thresholds are violated b? the fault signal and also distinguishes between pairs of piston assemblies moving in phased relationship by providing a pair of microphones axially spaced along the engine to thereby generate relatively high intensity and relatively low intensity fault signals depending upon the distance of the respective microphone from the faulty piston assembly.
Description
.Z76Z~31 This invention relates to methods and apparatus for detecting missing, misaligned or mislocated partg in machine assemblies. More specifically, this invention relates to a method and apparatus for detecting missing bearings in an engine assembly.
The assembly of a multicylinder internal combustion engine is a very complicated process requiring precise coordination between a plurality of humans and a plurality of machines, each employed at various stages in the process of forming the engine assembly. Whereas much progress ha~. been made in the area of quality control with respect to engine assembly, it i6 still not uncommon for an engine to be assembled with one or more parts missing or misplaced.
Specifically, as an engine is as~embled, a bearing in~ert or shell is manually inserted into the bearing housing at the crankshaft end of the connecting rod.
The connecting rod is then positioned against the , ' ' ': .
c- ~ z ~ `f~
respective pin on the crankshaft, the other bearing insert or shell half is manually inserted into the bearing cap, and the bearing cap with insert is positioned over the exposed half of the crankshaft pin and buttoned down to the connecting rod to complete the bearing assembly between the connecting rod and the crankshaft. On occassion, an operator either fails to insert one or both of the inserts or the insert is inserted but becomes misplaced before final assembly of the bearing is accomplished. In either case, the completed engine is missing one or both of the bearing inserts and will soon destroy itself in actual operation.
Various methods and apparatus have been proposed to detect missing bearings in the completed engine assembiy. In the most commonly used technique, the engine is substantially totally assembled, at least to the point where the lubricating passages within the engine are complete; oil is supplied to the engine, the engine i8 spun; and the oil pressure is monitored to detect a drop in pressure corresponding to a missing bearing insert in a particular piston subassembly.
Whereas this system is generally effective, it occurs at such a late stage in the assembly process that correction of the detected problem requires essentially .
] 7~
complete disassembly of an essentially completed engine.
It has also been proposed to pump air through the oil passages and monitor the air pressure to detect a missing bearing insert but this procedure can also be - 5 performed only at such time as the engine has been completed to the point of establishing the oil passages and therefore also entails essentially complete disassembly of an essentially completed engine in situations where a missing bearing insert is detected.
Both of th~se prior art techniques also are rather time consuming and involve rather complex support apparatus, in the one case to supply pressurized oil to the engine assembly and in the other case to provide pressurized air to the engine assembly.
This invention is directed to the provision of a method and apparatus for readily and efficlently detecting the presence of missing, misaligned, or mislocated parts in a machine assembly.
More specifically, this invention is directed to the provision of a method and apparatus for detecting missing bearin~ inserts in an engine assembly at an early stage in the process of assembling the engine so as to allow the ready repair of the engine.
.
'' -; " '` ~ J~"
In it8 broadest form, the invention provides a method of detecting missing, misaligned or misplaced parts in a machine assembly of the type in which a plurality of subassemblies are driven through reciprocal cycles in response to rotation of a central shaft. The invention method comprise8 the steps of rotating the central shaft to move the subassemblies through their respective cycles; generating a plurality of code signals for each rotation of the shaft in timed relation to the shaft rotation; sensing the level of acoustical vibration in the vicinity of the machine assembly during rotation of the shaft; generating a fault signal in re6ponse to a sensed acoustical vibration in excess of a predetermined magnitude; and comparing the code signals with the fault signals to determine the presence of a missing, misaligned or misplaced part. This arrangement provides an inexpensive and effective method of locating a missing or misaligned part and allows the detection to occur at a relatively early stage in the assembly process.
The disclosed embodiment of the invention is particularly suited for detecting missing or mislocated parts in a multicylinder engine assembly of the type including a crank shaft and a plurality of piston as~emblies associated with the respective cylinders. In - ` lZ76XB~
the disclosed embodiment, the methodology comprises rotating the crankshaft of the engine assembly;
generating a plurali~y of code signal~ for each rotation of the crankshaft in timed relation to the crankshaft rotation; sensing the level of acoustical vibration in the vicinity of the engine assembly during rotation of the crankshaft; generating a fault signal in response to a sensed acoustical vibration in excess of a predetermined magnitude; and comparing the code signals and the fault signals to determine whether a bearing insert is missing from the engine assembly and the particular piston assembly from which the part is missing. This method allows the early and efficient detection of a missing bearing insert in multicylinder engine assemblies moving along an assembly line.
According to a further feature of the invention, the signal generating means comprises an angle encoder operative to generate a plurality of equaliy spaced pulse signals for each revolution of the crankshaft and a marker signal each time the crankshaft passes through a given angular position. This arrangement keys the fault signals to a specific point in the angular rota_ion of the crankshaft and thereby enables the precise determination of the particular piston assembly in which the bearing part is missing.
., - .
~' " ' 'L;'``'~ J.'t';~ ,X76Z~l According to a furt}~er feature of the invention, the crankshaft i5 rotated by a motor and the motor also drives the angle encoder. This arrangement provide6 a compact package and simplifies the synchronization as between the crankshaft and the encoder.
According to a further feature of the invention, the crankshaft of the engine assembly includes key means, the motor engages the end of the crankshaft and locates angularly on the cranks~aft key mean8, and the marker signal is generated at a _ixed angular position related to the angular position of the crankshaft key means. This arrangement further facilitates the precise identification of the particular piston assembly in which the bearing is missing.
According to a further feature of the invention, a plurality of indicator means are provided respectively corresponding to the cylinders of the engine assembly and a comparator is provided for receiving the code signals and the fault signals. The comparator operates to selectively activate or fail to activate each of the indicator means depending on the presence or absence of a fault signal at the point of rotation of the crankshaft corresponding to a transitional position in the reciprocal cycle of the .. .
: . , , piston assembly operating in the corresponding cylinder of the engine assembly.
In the disclosed embodiment of the invention, the apparatus includes a carrier mounted for movement relative to the assembly line between a rest position clear of the assembly line and a working position adjacent the enginP assembly to be tested, and the motor, encoder, and acoustical pick-up device are mounted on the carrier. This arrangement allows the various components of the invention detection system to be readly moved into and out of association with the engine to be tested.
As specifically disclosed, the invention is related to engine assemblies of the V8 type, the pick-up device includes a pair of microphones, and thecarrier includes a portion positioning the microphones in spaced relation over the engine assembly with the driver of the motor engaging the crankshaft of the engine assembly. This arrangement provides the ability to distinguish between two piston assemblies of a V8 engine moving in phase with each other.
In the drawings, FIGURE 1 is a perspective, somewhat schematic view of a missing bearing detector according to the invention, ~.2~76Z81 FIGURES 2 and 3 are fragmentary detail views of portions of the missing bearing detector of FIGURE l;
FIGURE 4 is a schematic side elevational view of the invention missing bearing detector;
5FIGURE 5 is a view of a crankshaft, showing in detail the bearing construction at the connection between the connecting rod of a piston assembly and the corresponding crankshaft pin of the crankshaft; and FIGVRE 6 is a view showing the methodology of 10a comparator system used in the invention missing bearing detector.
15The invention missing bearing detector is shown in Figure 1 in association with an assembly line for internal combustion engines. In the assembly line, as schematically depicted, engine assembiies 10 are moved successfully along a conveyor belt 12 past a work 20station 14 at which the missing bearing detector is located.
The missing bearing detector includes a carrier 16, a motor 18, an encoder device 20, a pick-up device 22, a comparator 23, and an indicator panel 24.
25Carrier 16 is shown schematically and includes a base portion 16a, a bracket -portion 16b, and a ., ~
. ~27628~
.~ _ g cantilever portion 16c. Carrier 16 iB suspended from a overhead track by a cable 25 engaging the upper end of carrier bracket portion 16b and coacting with a spring balancer 26. Balancer 26 coacts with an overhead trolley (not shown) engaging a network of overhead rails to allow the carrier to be moved both parallel and transversely with ~espect to the conveyor 12 as well as up and down.
Motor 18 is mounted on base portion 16a of carrier 16 and include8 a rearward drive shaft 18a secured to a driver 28. Driver 28 includes a central bore 28a and a keyway 28b. Motor 18 may comprises many of ~everal forms including an air motor, a hydraulic ~otor, or an electric motor.
Encoder 20 includes an encoder wheel 30, a lug 32, and a pair of proximity switches 34 and 36.
Encoder wheel 30 is secured to the frse end of forward motor drive shaft 18b and includes 360 teeth 30a corre6ponding to the 360 degrees of a single revolution. Lug 32 is suitably secured to encoder wheel 30 at a point adjacent the outer perimeter of the wheel.
Proximity switches 34 and 36 are positioned respectively over wheel 30 and lug 32 by an angle bracket 38 secured to base portion 16a of carrier 16. Proxmity switches 34, 36 may take any of various forms and may for example ~Z76~
`. ` . ~
comprise a hall effect proximity switch. Whatever their specific form, proximity switch 34 detects the passage of each individual tooth 30a of wheel 30 and proxmity switch 36 detects the once per revolution passage of lug 32.
Pickup device 22 comprises a pair of microphones 40 ana 42 positioned in spacea relation on cantilever portion 16c of carrier 16. When used with a V8 engine of the type illustrated, cantilever portion 16c of carrier 16 functions to position microphones 40 and 42 in axially spaced relation over the engine with microphone 42 positioned generally adjacent the front lOa of the engine and microphone 40 positioned generally adjacent the rear lOb of the engine. Microphones 40,42 may comprise any known type of accoustical microphone.
Comparator 23 includes a housing 23a housing suitable electronic comparator equipment capable of generating the three channels A, ~ and C seen in Figure 6. Channel A is generated by proximity switch 34 of encoder 20 and includes 360 equally spaced pulse signals for each revolution of the crank shaft transmitted to the comparator via line 44. Channel B is generated by proximity switch 36 of en¢oder 20 and comprises a marker signal 46 corresponding to each revolution of the crankshaft transmitted to the comparator by line 48.
. .
., ' ' ' .
The assembly of a multicylinder internal combustion engine is a very complicated process requiring precise coordination between a plurality of humans and a plurality of machines, each employed at various stages in the process of forming the engine assembly. Whereas much progress ha~. been made in the area of quality control with respect to engine assembly, it i6 still not uncommon for an engine to be assembled with one or more parts missing or misplaced.
Specifically, as an engine is as~embled, a bearing in~ert or shell is manually inserted into the bearing housing at the crankshaft end of the connecting rod.
The connecting rod is then positioned against the , ' ' ': .
c- ~ z ~ `f~
respective pin on the crankshaft, the other bearing insert or shell half is manually inserted into the bearing cap, and the bearing cap with insert is positioned over the exposed half of the crankshaft pin and buttoned down to the connecting rod to complete the bearing assembly between the connecting rod and the crankshaft. On occassion, an operator either fails to insert one or both of the inserts or the insert is inserted but becomes misplaced before final assembly of the bearing is accomplished. In either case, the completed engine is missing one or both of the bearing inserts and will soon destroy itself in actual operation.
Various methods and apparatus have been proposed to detect missing bearings in the completed engine assembiy. In the most commonly used technique, the engine is substantially totally assembled, at least to the point where the lubricating passages within the engine are complete; oil is supplied to the engine, the engine i8 spun; and the oil pressure is monitored to detect a drop in pressure corresponding to a missing bearing insert in a particular piston subassembly.
Whereas this system is generally effective, it occurs at such a late stage in the assembly process that correction of the detected problem requires essentially .
] 7~
complete disassembly of an essentially completed engine.
It has also been proposed to pump air through the oil passages and monitor the air pressure to detect a missing bearing insert but this procedure can also be - 5 performed only at such time as the engine has been completed to the point of establishing the oil passages and therefore also entails essentially complete disassembly of an essentially completed engine in situations where a missing bearing insert is detected.
Both of th~se prior art techniques also are rather time consuming and involve rather complex support apparatus, in the one case to supply pressurized oil to the engine assembly and in the other case to provide pressurized air to the engine assembly.
This invention is directed to the provision of a method and apparatus for readily and efficlently detecting the presence of missing, misaligned, or mislocated parts in a machine assembly.
More specifically, this invention is directed to the provision of a method and apparatus for detecting missing bearin~ inserts in an engine assembly at an early stage in the process of assembling the engine so as to allow the ready repair of the engine.
.
'' -; " '` ~ J~"
In it8 broadest form, the invention provides a method of detecting missing, misaligned or misplaced parts in a machine assembly of the type in which a plurality of subassemblies are driven through reciprocal cycles in response to rotation of a central shaft. The invention method comprise8 the steps of rotating the central shaft to move the subassemblies through their respective cycles; generating a plurality of code signals for each rotation of the shaft in timed relation to the shaft rotation; sensing the level of acoustical vibration in the vicinity of the machine assembly during rotation of the shaft; generating a fault signal in re6ponse to a sensed acoustical vibration in excess of a predetermined magnitude; and comparing the code signals with the fault signals to determine the presence of a missing, misaligned or misplaced part. This arrangement provides an inexpensive and effective method of locating a missing or misaligned part and allows the detection to occur at a relatively early stage in the assembly process.
The disclosed embodiment of the invention is particularly suited for detecting missing or mislocated parts in a multicylinder engine assembly of the type including a crank shaft and a plurality of piston as~emblies associated with the respective cylinders. In - ` lZ76XB~
the disclosed embodiment, the methodology comprises rotating the crankshaft of the engine assembly;
generating a plurali~y of code signal~ for each rotation of the crankshaft in timed relation to the crankshaft rotation; sensing the level of acoustical vibration in the vicinity of the engine assembly during rotation of the crankshaft; generating a fault signal in response to a sensed acoustical vibration in excess of a predetermined magnitude; and comparing the code signals and the fault signals to determine whether a bearing insert is missing from the engine assembly and the particular piston assembly from which the part is missing. This method allows the early and efficient detection of a missing bearing insert in multicylinder engine assemblies moving along an assembly line.
According to a further feature of the invention, the signal generating means comprises an angle encoder operative to generate a plurality of equaliy spaced pulse signals for each revolution of the crankshaft and a marker signal each time the crankshaft passes through a given angular position. This arrangement keys the fault signals to a specific point in the angular rota_ion of the crankshaft and thereby enables the precise determination of the particular piston assembly in which the bearing part is missing.
., - .
~' " ' 'L;'``'~ J.'t';~ ,X76Z~l According to a furt}~er feature of the invention, the crankshaft i5 rotated by a motor and the motor also drives the angle encoder. This arrangement provide6 a compact package and simplifies the synchronization as between the crankshaft and the encoder.
According to a further feature of the invention, the crankshaft of the engine assembly includes key means, the motor engages the end of the crankshaft and locates angularly on the cranks~aft key mean8, and the marker signal is generated at a _ixed angular position related to the angular position of the crankshaft key means. This arrangement further facilitates the precise identification of the particular piston assembly in which the bearing is missing.
According to a further feature of the invention, a plurality of indicator means are provided respectively corresponding to the cylinders of the engine assembly and a comparator is provided for receiving the code signals and the fault signals. The comparator operates to selectively activate or fail to activate each of the indicator means depending on the presence or absence of a fault signal at the point of rotation of the crankshaft corresponding to a transitional position in the reciprocal cycle of the .. .
: . , , piston assembly operating in the corresponding cylinder of the engine assembly.
In the disclosed embodiment of the invention, the apparatus includes a carrier mounted for movement relative to the assembly line between a rest position clear of the assembly line and a working position adjacent the enginP assembly to be tested, and the motor, encoder, and acoustical pick-up device are mounted on the carrier. This arrangement allows the various components of the invention detection system to be readly moved into and out of association with the engine to be tested.
As specifically disclosed, the invention is related to engine assemblies of the V8 type, the pick-up device includes a pair of microphones, and thecarrier includes a portion positioning the microphones in spaced relation over the engine assembly with the driver of the motor engaging the crankshaft of the engine assembly. This arrangement provides the ability to distinguish between two piston assemblies of a V8 engine moving in phase with each other.
In the drawings, FIGURE 1 is a perspective, somewhat schematic view of a missing bearing detector according to the invention, ~.2~76Z81 FIGURES 2 and 3 are fragmentary detail views of portions of the missing bearing detector of FIGURE l;
FIGURE 4 is a schematic side elevational view of the invention missing bearing detector;
5FIGURE 5 is a view of a crankshaft, showing in detail the bearing construction at the connection between the connecting rod of a piston assembly and the corresponding crankshaft pin of the crankshaft; and FIGVRE 6 is a view showing the methodology of 10a comparator system used in the invention missing bearing detector.
15The invention missing bearing detector is shown in Figure 1 in association with an assembly line for internal combustion engines. In the assembly line, as schematically depicted, engine assembiies 10 are moved successfully along a conveyor belt 12 past a work 20station 14 at which the missing bearing detector is located.
The missing bearing detector includes a carrier 16, a motor 18, an encoder device 20, a pick-up device 22, a comparator 23, and an indicator panel 24.
25Carrier 16 is shown schematically and includes a base portion 16a, a bracket -portion 16b, and a ., ~
. ~27628~
.~ _ g cantilever portion 16c. Carrier 16 iB suspended from a overhead track by a cable 25 engaging the upper end of carrier bracket portion 16b and coacting with a spring balancer 26. Balancer 26 coacts with an overhead trolley (not shown) engaging a network of overhead rails to allow the carrier to be moved both parallel and transversely with ~espect to the conveyor 12 as well as up and down.
Motor 18 is mounted on base portion 16a of carrier 16 and include8 a rearward drive shaft 18a secured to a driver 28. Driver 28 includes a central bore 28a and a keyway 28b. Motor 18 may comprises many of ~everal forms including an air motor, a hydraulic ~otor, or an electric motor.
Encoder 20 includes an encoder wheel 30, a lug 32, and a pair of proximity switches 34 and 36.
Encoder wheel 30 is secured to the frse end of forward motor drive shaft 18b and includes 360 teeth 30a corre6ponding to the 360 degrees of a single revolution. Lug 32 is suitably secured to encoder wheel 30 at a point adjacent the outer perimeter of the wheel.
Proximity switches 34 and 36 are positioned respectively over wheel 30 and lug 32 by an angle bracket 38 secured to base portion 16a of carrier 16. Proxmity switches 34, 36 may take any of various forms and may for example ~Z76~
`. ` . ~
comprise a hall effect proximity switch. Whatever their specific form, proximity switch 34 detects the passage of each individual tooth 30a of wheel 30 and proxmity switch 36 detects the once per revolution passage of lug 32.
Pickup device 22 comprises a pair of microphones 40 ana 42 positioned in spacea relation on cantilever portion 16c of carrier 16. When used with a V8 engine of the type illustrated, cantilever portion 16c of carrier 16 functions to position microphones 40 and 42 in axially spaced relation over the engine with microphone 42 positioned generally adjacent the front lOa of the engine and microphone 40 positioned generally adjacent the rear lOb of the engine. Microphones 40,42 may comprise any known type of accoustical microphone.
Comparator 23 includes a housing 23a housing suitable electronic comparator equipment capable of generating the three channels A, ~ and C seen in Figure 6. Channel A is generated by proximity switch 34 of encoder 20 and includes 360 equally spaced pulse signals for each revolution of the crank shaft transmitted to the comparator via line 44. Channel B is generated by proximity switch 36 of en¢oder 20 and comprises a marker signal 46 corresponding to each revolution of the crankshaft transmitted to the comparator by line 48.
. .
., ' ' ' .
2~6~
Channel C is generated by the output of microphones 40, 42 as transmitted to the comparator through lines 50 and 52. Channel C includes thresholds 54 and 56 corresponding to normally encountered background noise in the ty~ical engine assembly environment and a further, higher threshold 58. The signal 60 generated on channel C normally move~ between thresholds 54 and 56 but, as illustrated, may generate fault signals 62 violating threshold 54 or fault signals 64 violating thresholds 54 and 58.
Indicator panel 24 includes a plurality of indicator lights 66, corresponding to the cylinders of the engine assembly 10, and an engine approval light 68.
In the illustrated embodiment, the engine assemblies are of the V8 type and include a block 70, a crankshaft 72, and a plurality of piston assemblies respectively associated with the crankshaft and with the cylinders of block 70. Crankshaft 72, in known manner, includes a plurality of throws 74, a plurality of pins 76 extending sele-tively between the throws, and a front end portion 78 including the usual key 80 for drivingly engaging a timing gear. Each piston assemb_y includes a connecting rod 82 secured at one end in known manner to the wrist pin of the piston of the piston assembly and secured in known manner at it~ other end to a crankshaft '-` .. ;~ ``~ `~ . lZ76Z~3~
pin 76 of the crankshaft. The connection of the connecting rod to the crankshaft is constituted by a lower bearing member defined by th~ upper end 82a of the connecting rod an upper bearing member defined by bearing cap 84; a semicircular lower bearing shell or insert 86 seated in bearing member 82a; and an upper semicircular bearing shell or insert 88 seated in bearing cap 84. The connecting rod 82 and cap 84 are typically formed of cast iron or alum num and the inserts or shells 86 and 88 are typically formed of a Babbit metal, that is, a soft silvery antifriction alloy composed of tin with small amounts of copper and antimony.
The engine assemblies 10 arriving at test station 14 are positioned pan face up so that the crankshaft is presented at the upper face of the assembly.
In operation, the engine assemblies 10 arriving on conveyor belt 12 at test ~ta~ion 14 a~e individua-ly tested to detect missing bearing shells.
The testing may be done while the engines are moving continuously through the test station or the engines may be momentarily stopped at the test station to facilitate the testing operation.
2~3~
In either cage, ag the engine assemblie~
arrive at the test station, carrier 16 is moved from a rest position clear of the assembly line to a working position in which driver 42 is engaged with the end 78 of the crankshaft with driver slot 28b keying on key 80 to locate the driver positively with respect to the crankshaft and locate key means 80 positively with respect to lug 32. For example, key 28b may be angularly aligned with lug 32. With driver 28 engaging crankshaft end 78, cantilever portion 16c of carrier 16 extends rearwardly over the block of the engine to di6pose microphone 42 adjacent the front end of the engine and dispose microphone 40 adjacent the rear end of the engine.
Motor 18 is now energized to drive shaft 18a and thereby driver 28 to rotate crankshaft 72 of the engine assembly and move the piston assemblies through their reci?rocal cycles. As motor 18 drives the crankshaft, encoder wheel 30 coacts with proximity switch 34 tc generate a plurality of equally spaced pulse signals 43 on channel A of encoder 23; lug 38 coacts w th proximity switch 36 to generate marker pulses 46 on channel B of the comparator at fixed angular positions related to the angular position of key means 80 and microphones 40,42 generate a signal 60 on ~, , ' ' .
-~` ~ - - 14 127G~
.
channel C of the comparator. If signal 60 remains within thresholds 54 and 56 throughout the duration of the test, comparator 2~ functions to supply a signal to approval light 68 to illuminate the light and thereby indicate to the operator that the engine is 6atisfactory. If, however, signal 60 violates a threshold during the course of the test, ~he comparator functions to signal one of the indicator lights 66 to indicate an absence of a bearing shell in the piston assembly corresponding to that light.
Specifically, as a connecting rod ~2 of a particular piston assembly approaches the bottom dead center position as seen in Figure 5, the linear downward movement of the piston assembly ceases and the piston assembly moves instantaneously through a lull period in which there is substantially no linear movement. At about 8 degrees in the cycle past bottom dead center, the piston assembly beains its upward linear movement.
It i8 at this tran6itory point in the reciprocating cycle Of the piston assembly that the absence of a shell 86 or 88 is detected by a noise which is sensed by microphones 40,42. Based on the geometry of the parts, the critical phase of the reciprocating cycle of the piston assembly occurs between 8 degrees and 15 degrees past bottom dead center during which period, in the ., ' .
~, ,` T. ., 1;~76 ;Z8 ~ .
event that one of the inserts 86,~8 is mlssing, the crankshaft pin 76 moves relative to bearing 42a or bearing cap 84 to take up the slack in the bearing assembly created by the absence of shell 86 or 88. The relative movement between the pin 76 and the associated connecting rod bearing surfaces causes a significant, readily detectable slapping noise which is picked up by the microphones and transmitted to the comparator to generate a fault signal 62,64 violating the thresholds Of the channel and thereby indicating the absence of a bearing shell.
The presence of any fault signal violating threshold 54,56 indicates a missing shell or detector, and the particular piston assembly in which the shell is missing can be readily determined by virtue of pulse signals 4~ and marker signals 46 which, when compared to the position at which the fault signal occurred, and given the knowledge that the fault signal will occur between 8 degrees and 15 degrees past bot~om dead center of the particular piston assembly, enables the comparator to readily identify the piston assembly involved.
One microphone would be sufficient to identify the involved piston assembly in engines wherein each assembly is at all times out of phase with respect to each other piston a8sembly, such for example as a V6 engine. However, in a V8 engine or a straight 4 cylinder engine, all of the piston assemblies are not out of phase with respect to each other but in fact pairs of piston assemblies at any given time are in phase ~o that it is necessary to distinguish between the pairs of piston assemblies. This is done in the disclo~ed embodiment by the use of the spaced microphones positioned forwardly and rearwardly with respect to the engine assembly. Since the pairs of piston assemblies that are in phase are spaced forwardly and rearwardly along the piston axis, the front and rear microphones will pick up different levels of noise intensity depending upon the forward or rearward location of the involved piston assembly so that the fault signal will include a h,gher spike 62a,64a generated by the microphone nearest the involved piston assembly and a lesser spike 62b,64b generated by the microphone remote from the involved piston assembly.
The comparator may thus function to readily distinguish between pairs of piston assemblies that are in phase with respect to each other so that in all cases the specific piston assembly in which the bearing insert is missing can be positively identified.
.... .
.. . .
76~3~
The invention missing bearing d~tector is also able to di~tinguish between the upper and lower in~ert or shell halves. Specifically, if the lower shell half 86 is missing, the crankshaft pin 76 will slap against the upper shell half 88. Since the sabbit material of the shell halves is relatively soft, a relatively low intensity fault signal 62 will be generated which will violate only threshold line 54. If, however, the upper insert half is missing, the crankshaft pin 76 will slap against the adjacent hard metal of the bearing cap 84 and generate a high intensity fault signal 64 which will violate both threshold line 54 and threshold l_ne 58.
The invention bearing detector thus functions to not or.ly identify the specific piston assembly in which a bearing shell is missing but also to identify whether the upper or lower bearing shell half is missing. If the upper shell is missing, the comparator functions to illuminate the upper light of the pair of lights 66 provided for each cylinder, and if the lower shell is missing, the lower light of that pair is illuminated.
The comparator is also desirably programmed to not transmit a fault signal to an indicator light 66 unless and until the fault signal occurs with respect to any particular piston assembly during a predetermined percentage of successive revolutions of the crankshaft.
i ~62 t~ r~ ;
;~ -` 18 - ~ri ~ , r~ y For example, the comparator may be programmed to initiate a fault signal only if the signal occurs in 9 out of lO successive crankghaft revolutions. This assures that an extraneous environmental noise will not result in the indication of a missing insert.
The invention bearing detector will be seen to provide an inexpensive and efficient means of detecting the presence or absence of a missing bearing shell.
Since the missing part is detected early in the assembly process, the engine can be readily withdrawn from the assembly line and readily torn down to replace the missing part as compared to prior art devices in which the engine was essentially completed before the absence of the missing part was detected. The invention bearing detector also minimizes capital investment and maintenance reguirements since the pressurized oil systems, or the pressurized air systems, of the prior art detection devices are no longer required but rather are replaced by the inexpensive, readily available, low malntenance microphones which "listen" to the engine and inexpensively and efficiently deliver a fault signal indicating the presence and the location of a missing bearing.
Whereas a preferred embodiment of the invention has been illustrated and described in detail, ,'' ' : ' ~7~
~, .
it will be apparent that various changes may be made in the disclosed embodiment without departing ~rom the scope or spirit of the inven~ion.
., ' ,
Channel C is generated by the output of microphones 40, 42 as transmitted to the comparator through lines 50 and 52. Channel C includes thresholds 54 and 56 corresponding to normally encountered background noise in the ty~ical engine assembly environment and a further, higher threshold 58. The signal 60 generated on channel C normally move~ between thresholds 54 and 56 but, as illustrated, may generate fault signals 62 violating threshold 54 or fault signals 64 violating thresholds 54 and 58.
Indicator panel 24 includes a plurality of indicator lights 66, corresponding to the cylinders of the engine assembly 10, and an engine approval light 68.
In the illustrated embodiment, the engine assemblies are of the V8 type and include a block 70, a crankshaft 72, and a plurality of piston assemblies respectively associated with the crankshaft and with the cylinders of block 70. Crankshaft 72, in known manner, includes a plurality of throws 74, a plurality of pins 76 extending sele-tively between the throws, and a front end portion 78 including the usual key 80 for drivingly engaging a timing gear. Each piston assemb_y includes a connecting rod 82 secured at one end in known manner to the wrist pin of the piston of the piston assembly and secured in known manner at it~ other end to a crankshaft '-` .. ;~ ``~ `~ . lZ76Z~3~
pin 76 of the crankshaft. The connection of the connecting rod to the crankshaft is constituted by a lower bearing member defined by th~ upper end 82a of the connecting rod an upper bearing member defined by bearing cap 84; a semicircular lower bearing shell or insert 86 seated in bearing member 82a; and an upper semicircular bearing shell or insert 88 seated in bearing cap 84. The connecting rod 82 and cap 84 are typically formed of cast iron or alum num and the inserts or shells 86 and 88 are typically formed of a Babbit metal, that is, a soft silvery antifriction alloy composed of tin with small amounts of copper and antimony.
The engine assemblies 10 arriving at test station 14 are positioned pan face up so that the crankshaft is presented at the upper face of the assembly.
In operation, the engine assemblies 10 arriving on conveyor belt 12 at test ~ta~ion 14 a~e individua-ly tested to detect missing bearing shells.
The testing may be done while the engines are moving continuously through the test station or the engines may be momentarily stopped at the test station to facilitate the testing operation.
2~3~
In either cage, ag the engine assemblie~
arrive at the test station, carrier 16 is moved from a rest position clear of the assembly line to a working position in which driver 42 is engaged with the end 78 of the crankshaft with driver slot 28b keying on key 80 to locate the driver positively with respect to the crankshaft and locate key means 80 positively with respect to lug 32. For example, key 28b may be angularly aligned with lug 32. With driver 28 engaging crankshaft end 78, cantilever portion 16c of carrier 16 extends rearwardly over the block of the engine to di6pose microphone 42 adjacent the front end of the engine and dispose microphone 40 adjacent the rear end of the engine.
Motor 18 is now energized to drive shaft 18a and thereby driver 28 to rotate crankshaft 72 of the engine assembly and move the piston assemblies through their reci?rocal cycles. As motor 18 drives the crankshaft, encoder wheel 30 coacts with proximity switch 34 tc generate a plurality of equally spaced pulse signals 43 on channel A of encoder 23; lug 38 coacts w th proximity switch 36 to generate marker pulses 46 on channel B of the comparator at fixed angular positions related to the angular position of key means 80 and microphones 40,42 generate a signal 60 on ~, , ' ' .
-~` ~ - - 14 127G~
.
channel C of the comparator. If signal 60 remains within thresholds 54 and 56 throughout the duration of the test, comparator 2~ functions to supply a signal to approval light 68 to illuminate the light and thereby indicate to the operator that the engine is 6atisfactory. If, however, signal 60 violates a threshold during the course of the test, ~he comparator functions to signal one of the indicator lights 66 to indicate an absence of a bearing shell in the piston assembly corresponding to that light.
Specifically, as a connecting rod ~2 of a particular piston assembly approaches the bottom dead center position as seen in Figure 5, the linear downward movement of the piston assembly ceases and the piston assembly moves instantaneously through a lull period in which there is substantially no linear movement. At about 8 degrees in the cycle past bottom dead center, the piston assembly beains its upward linear movement.
It i8 at this tran6itory point in the reciprocating cycle Of the piston assembly that the absence of a shell 86 or 88 is detected by a noise which is sensed by microphones 40,42. Based on the geometry of the parts, the critical phase of the reciprocating cycle of the piston assembly occurs between 8 degrees and 15 degrees past bottom dead center during which period, in the ., ' .
~, ,` T. ., 1;~76 ;Z8 ~ .
event that one of the inserts 86,~8 is mlssing, the crankshaft pin 76 moves relative to bearing 42a or bearing cap 84 to take up the slack in the bearing assembly created by the absence of shell 86 or 88. The relative movement between the pin 76 and the associated connecting rod bearing surfaces causes a significant, readily detectable slapping noise which is picked up by the microphones and transmitted to the comparator to generate a fault signal 62,64 violating the thresholds Of the channel and thereby indicating the absence of a bearing shell.
The presence of any fault signal violating threshold 54,56 indicates a missing shell or detector, and the particular piston assembly in which the shell is missing can be readily determined by virtue of pulse signals 4~ and marker signals 46 which, when compared to the position at which the fault signal occurred, and given the knowledge that the fault signal will occur between 8 degrees and 15 degrees past bot~om dead center of the particular piston assembly, enables the comparator to readily identify the piston assembly involved.
One microphone would be sufficient to identify the involved piston assembly in engines wherein each assembly is at all times out of phase with respect to each other piston a8sembly, such for example as a V6 engine. However, in a V8 engine or a straight 4 cylinder engine, all of the piston assemblies are not out of phase with respect to each other but in fact pairs of piston assemblies at any given time are in phase ~o that it is necessary to distinguish between the pairs of piston assemblies. This is done in the disclo~ed embodiment by the use of the spaced microphones positioned forwardly and rearwardly with respect to the engine assembly. Since the pairs of piston assemblies that are in phase are spaced forwardly and rearwardly along the piston axis, the front and rear microphones will pick up different levels of noise intensity depending upon the forward or rearward location of the involved piston assembly so that the fault signal will include a h,gher spike 62a,64a generated by the microphone nearest the involved piston assembly and a lesser spike 62b,64b generated by the microphone remote from the involved piston assembly.
The comparator may thus function to readily distinguish between pairs of piston assemblies that are in phase with respect to each other so that in all cases the specific piston assembly in which the bearing insert is missing can be positively identified.
.... .
.. . .
76~3~
The invention missing bearing d~tector is also able to di~tinguish between the upper and lower in~ert or shell halves. Specifically, if the lower shell half 86 is missing, the crankshaft pin 76 will slap against the upper shell half 88. Since the sabbit material of the shell halves is relatively soft, a relatively low intensity fault signal 62 will be generated which will violate only threshold line 54. If, however, the upper insert half is missing, the crankshaft pin 76 will slap against the adjacent hard metal of the bearing cap 84 and generate a high intensity fault signal 64 which will violate both threshold line 54 and threshold l_ne 58.
The invention bearing detector thus functions to not or.ly identify the specific piston assembly in which a bearing shell is missing but also to identify whether the upper or lower bearing shell half is missing. If the upper shell is missing, the comparator functions to illuminate the upper light of the pair of lights 66 provided for each cylinder, and if the lower shell is missing, the lower light of that pair is illuminated.
The comparator is also desirably programmed to not transmit a fault signal to an indicator light 66 unless and until the fault signal occurs with respect to any particular piston assembly during a predetermined percentage of successive revolutions of the crankshaft.
i ~62 t~ r~ ;
;~ -` 18 - ~ri ~ , r~ y For example, the comparator may be programmed to initiate a fault signal only if the signal occurs in 9 out of lO successive crankghaft revolutions. This assures that an extraneous environmental noise will not result in the indication of a missing insert.
The invention bearing detector will be seen to provide an inexpensive and efficient means of detecting the presence or absence of a missing bearing shell.
Since the missing part is detected early in the assembly process, the engine can be readily withdrawn from the assembly line and readily torn down to replace the missing part as compared to prior art devices in which the engine was essentially completed before the absence of the missing part was detected. The invention bearing detector also minimizes capital investment and maintenance reguirements since the pressurized oil systems, or the pressurized air systems, of the prior art detection devices are no longer required but rather are replaced by the inexpensive, readily available, low malntenance microphones which "listen" to the engine and inexpensively and efficiently deliver a fault signal indicating the presence and the location of a missing bearing.
Whereas a preferred embodiment of the invention has been illustrated and described in detail, ,'' ' : ' ~7~
~, .
it will be apparent that various changes may be made in the disclosed embodiment without departing ~rom the scope or spirit of the inven~ion.
., ' ,
Claims (19)
1. A method of detecting a misassembly condition in a machine assembly of the type in which a plurality of subassemblies are driven through out of phase reciprocal cycles in response to rotation of a central shaft, said method comprising the steps of:
(A) rotating the central shaft to move the subassemblies through their reciprocal cycles;
(B) generating a plurality of code signals for each rotation of the shaft in timed relation to the shaft rotation:
(C) sensing the level of acoustical vibration in the vicinity of the machine assembly during rotation of the shaft;
(D) generating a fault signal in response to a sensed acoustical vibration in excess of a predetermined magnitude to determine the presence of a misassembly condition in the machine assembly; and (E) comparing the code signals with the fault signal on a time line basis to determine the particular subassembly in which the misassembly condition is present;
(F) providing a separate indicator means in association with each of the subassemblies; and (G) selectively activating or failing to activate the particular indicator means associated with each of the subassemblies depending upon whether a misassembly condition is detected in the respective subassembly.
(A) rotating the central shaft to move the subassemblies through their reciprocal cycles;
(B) generating a plurality of code signals for each rotation of the shaft in timed relation to the shaft rotation:
(C) sensing the level of acoustical vibration in the vicinity of the machine assembly during rotation of the shaft;
(D) generating a fault signal in response to a sensed acoustical vibration in excess of a predetermined magnitude to determine the presence of a misassembly condition in the machine assembly; and (E) comparing the code signals with the fault signal on a time line basis to determine the particular subassembly in which the misassembly condition is present;
(F) providing a separate indicator means in association with each of the subassemblies; and (G) selectively activating or failing to activate the particular indicator means associated with each of the subassemblies depending upon whether a misassembly condition is detected in the respective subassembly.
2. A method according to claim 1 wherein said method includes the further step of:
(H) selectively activating or failing to activate the indicator means respectively associated with each of the subassemblies depending upon the presence or absence of a fault signal at the point of rotation of the shaft corresponding to a transitional position in the reciprocal cycle of the respective subassembly.
(H) selectively activating or failing to activate the indicator means respectively associated with each of the subassemblies depending upon the presence or absence of a fault signal at the point of rotation of the shaft corresponding to a transitional position in the reciprocal cycle of the respective subassembly.
3. A method according to claim 2 wherein:
(I) the code signals include (1) a plurality of equally spaced pulse signals for each revolution of the shaft, and (2) a marker signal each time the shaft passes through a given angular position.
(I) the code signals include (1) a plurality of equally spaced pulse signals for each revolution of the shaft, and (2) a marker signal each time the shaft passes through a given angular position.
4. A method according to claim 3 wherein:
(J) the shaft includes key means;
(K) the shaft rotating step comprises engaging a motor with the shaft at a fixed angular position related to the angular position of the shaft key means;
and (L) the marker signal is generated at a fixed angular position related to the angular position of the shaft key means.
(J) the shaft includes key means;
(K) the shaft rotating step comprises engaging a motor with the shaft at a fixed angular position related to the angular position of the shaft key means;
and (L) the marker signal is generated at a fixed angular position related to the angular position of the shaft key means.
5. A method of detecting a misassembly condition in a multicylinder engine assembly of the type including a crankshaft and a plurality of out of phase piston assemblies respectively associated with the cylinders of the engine assembly, said method comprising the steps of;
(A) rotating the crankshaft of the engine assembly;
(B) generating a plurality of code signals for each rotation of the crankshaft in timed relation to the crankshaft rotation;
(C) sensing the level of acoustical vibration in the vicinity of the engine assembly during rotation of the crankshaft;
(D) generating a fault signal in response to a sensed acoustical vibration in excess of a predetermined magnitude to determine the presence of a misassembly condition in the engine assembly; and (E) comparing said code signals and said fault signals on a time line basis to determine the particular piston assembly in which the misassembly condition is present.
(A) rotating the crankshaft of the engine assembly;
(B) generating a plurality of code signals for each rotation of the crankshaft in timed relation to the crankshaft rotation;
(C) sensing the level of acoustical vibration in the vicinity of the engine assembly during rotation of the crankshaft;
(D) generating a fault signal in response to a sensed acoustical vibration in excess of a predetermined magnitude to determine the presence of a misassembly condition in the engine assembly; and (E) comparing said code signals and said fault signals on a time line basis to determine the particular piston assembly in which the misassembly condition is present.
6. A method according to claim 5 wherein:
(F) said code signals are generated by an angle encoder operative to generate (1) a plurality of equally spaced pulse signals for each revolution of the crankshaft, and (2) a marker signal each time the crankshaft passes through a given angular position.
(F) said code signals are generated by an angle encoder operative to generate (1) a plurality of equally spaced pulse signals for each revolution of the crankshaft, and (2) a marker signal each time the crankshaft passes through a given angular position.
7. A method according to claim 6 wherein:
the crankshaft is rotated by a motor; and the motor also drives the angle encoder.
the crankshaft is rotated by a motor; and the motor also drives the angle encoder.
8. A method according to claim 7 wherein:
the crankshaft of the engine assembly includes a key means;
the motor engages the end of the crankshaft and locates on the crankshaft at a fixed angular position of the crankshaft key means and the marker signal is generated at a fixed angular position related to the angular position of the crankshaft key means.
the crankshaft of the engine assembly includes a key means;
the motor engages the end of the crankshaft and locates on the crankshaft at a fixed angular position of the crankshaft key means and the marker signal is generated at a fixed angular position related to the angular position of the crankshaft key means.
9. An apparatus for detecting missing or misplaced parts in a multicylinder engine assembly of the type including a crankshaft and a plurality of piston assemblies associated with the respective cylinders, said apparatus comprising:
(A) an acoustical pick-up device adapted to be positioned adjacent the engine assembly and operative to generate a fault signal in response to a sensed acoustical vibration of a predetermined intensity;
(B) a drive motor adapted to be moved into engagement with the crankshaft of the engine assembly to rotate the crankshaft and move the piston assemblies of the various cylinders through their reciprocal cycles;
(C) an angle encoder operative to generate a plurality of code signals for each revolution of the crankshaft;
(D) a plurality of indicator means respectively corresponding to the cylinders of the engine assembly; and (E) means receiving said code signals and said fault signal and operative to selectively activate or fail to activate each of said indicator means depending on the presence or absence of a fault signal at the point of rotation of the crankshaft corresponding to a transitional position in the reciprocal cycle of the piston assembly operating in the corresponding cylinder of the engine assembly.
(A) an acoustical pick-up device adapted to be positioned adjacent the engine assembly and operative to generate a fault signal in response to a sensed acoustical vibration of a predetermined intensity;
(B) a drive motor adapted to be moved into engagement with the crankshaft of the engine assembly to rotate the crankshaft and move the piston assemblies of the various cylinders through their reciprocal cycles;
(C) an angle encoder operative to generate a plurality of code signals for each revolution of the crankshaft;
(D) a plurality of indicator means respectively corresponding to the cylinders of the engine assembly; and (E) means receiving said code signals and said fault signal and operative to selectively activate or fail to activate each of said indicator means depending on the presence or absence of a fault signal at the point of rotation of the crankshaft corresponding to a transitional position in the reciprocal cycle of the piston assembly operating in the corresponding cylinder of the engine assembly.
10. An apparatus according to claim 9 wherein:
(F) said angle encoder is driven by said motor.
(F) said angle encoder is driven by said motor.
11. An apparatus according to claim 10 wherein:
(G) said angle encoder is operative to generate (1) a plurality of equally spaced pulse signals for each revolution of the crankshaft, and (2) a marker signal each time the crankshaft passes through a given angular position.
(G) said angle encoder is operative to generate (1) a plurality of equally spaced pulse signals for each revolution of the crankshaft, and (2) a marker signal each time the crankshaft passes through a given angular position.
12. An apparatus according to claim 11 wherein:
(H) the crankshaft of the engine assembly includes key means;
(I) said drive motor engages the end of the crankshaft and locates on the crankshaft at a fixed angular position related to the angular position of the crankshaft key means; and (J) said marker signal is generated at a fixed angular position related to the angular position of the crankshaft key means.
(H) the crankshaft of the engine assembly includes key means;
(I) said drive motor engages the end of the crankshaft and locates on the crankshaft at a fixed angular position related to the angular position of the crankshaft key means; and (J) said marker signal is generated at a fixed angular position related to the angular position of the crankshaft key means.
13. An apparatus for detecting missing parts in multicylinder engine assemblies moving along an assembly line and each including a block and a crankshaft, said apparatus comprising:
(A) an acoustical pick-up device positioned at a work station along the assembly line and operative to generate a noise signal in response to sensed acoustical vibrations:
(B) means mounting said pick-up device for movement between a rest position and a working position adjacent the block of an engine assembly positioned at the work station:
(c) a motor positioned at said work station and including a drive shaft and a driver secured to the free end of said drive shaft;
(D) means mounting said motor for movement between a rest position and a working position in which said driver drivingly engages the near end of the crankshaft of an engine assembly positioned at the work station;
(E) an angle encoder operative to generate a plurality of code signals for each revolution of the crankshaft of the engine assembly;
(F) a plurality of indicator means respectively corresponding to the cylinders of the engine assembly; and (G) a comparator receiving said code signals and said noise signal and operative to selectively activate or fail to activate each of said indicator means depending on whether said noise signal is in excess of a predetermined magnitude at the point of rotation of the crankshaft corresponding to a transitional position of the piston assembly operating in the corresponding cylinder of the engine assembly.
(A) an acoustical pick-up device positioned at a work station along the assembly line and operative to generate a noise signal in response to sensed acoustical vibrations:
(B) means mounting said pick-up device for movement between a rest position and a working position adjacent the block of an engine assembly positioned at the work station:
(c) a motor positioned at said work station and including a drive shaft and a driver secured to the free end of said drive shaft;
(D) means mounting said motor for movement between a rest position and a working position in which said driver drivingly engages the near end of the crankshaft of an engine assembly positioned at the work station;
(E) an angle encoder operative to generate a plurality of code signals for each revolution of the crankshaft of the engine assembly;
(F) a plurality of indicator means respectively corresponding to the cylinders of the engine assembly; and (G) a comparator receiving said code signals and said noise signal and operative to selectively activate or fail to activate each of said indicator means depending on whether said noise signal is in excess of a predetermined magnitude at the point of rotation of the crankshaft corresponding to a transitional position of the piston assembly operating in the corresponding cylinder of the engine assembly.
14. An apparatus according to claim 13 wherein:
(H) said encoder is operative to generate (1) a plurality of equally spaced pulse signals for each revolution of the crankshaft, and (2) a marker signal each time the crankshaft passes through a given angular position.
(H) said encoder is operative to generate (1) a plurality of equally spaced pulse signals for each revolution of the crankshaft, and (2) a marker signal each time the crankshaft passes through a given angular position.
15. An apparatus according to claim 14 wherein:
(I) the crankshaft of the engine assembly includes a key means;
(J) said driver engages the end of the crankshaft and locates angularly on the crankshaft key means: and (K) said marker signal is generated at a fixed angular position related to the angular position of the crankshaft key means.
(I) the crankshaft of the engine assembly includes a key means;
(J) said driver engages the end of the crankshaft and locates angularly on the crankshaft key means: and (K) said marker signal is generated at a fixed angular position related to the angular position of the crankshaft key means.
16. An apparatus according to claim 13 wherein:
(L) said apparatus further includes a carrier mounted for movement relative to the assembly line, and (M) said motor, said encoder, and said acoustical pick-up device are mounted on said carrier.
(L) said apparatus further includes a carrier mounted for movement relative to the assembly line, and (M) said motor, said encoder, and said acoustical pick-up device are mounted on said carrier.
17. An apparatus according to claim 16 wherein:
(N) said encoder is driven by said motor.
(N) said encoder is driven by said motor.
18. An apparatus for detecting missing parts in multicylinder engine assemblies moving along an assembly line and each including a block and a crankshaft, said apparatus comprising:
(A) an acoutsical pick-up device, including a pair of microphones, positioned at a work station along the assembly line and operative to generate a noise signal in response to sensed acoustical vibrations;
(B) a carrier mounting said pick-up device for movement between a rest position and a working position adjacent the block of an engine assembly positioned at the work station;
(C) a motor, including a drive shaft and a driver secured to the free end of said drive shaft, mounted on said carrier for movement between a rest position and a working position in which said driver drivingly engages the near end of the crankshaft of an engine assembly positioned at the work station (D) an angle encoder mounted on said carrier, driven by said motor, and operative to generate a plurality of code signals for each revolution of the crankshaft of the engine assembly;
(E) a plurality of indicator means respectively corresponding to the cylinders of the engine assembly; and (F) a comparator receiving said code signals and said noise signals and operative to selectively activate or fail to activate each of said indicator means depending on the presence or absence of a noise signal in excess of a predetermined magnitude at the point of rotation of the crankshaft corresponding to a transitional position of the piston assembly operating in the corresponding cylinder of the engine assembly;
(G) said apparatus being for use with engine assemblies of the V-8 type and said carrier including a portion positioning said microphones in spaced relation over the engine assembly with said driver engaging the crankshaft of the engine assembly.
(A) an acoutsical pick-up device, including a pair of microphones, positioned at a work station along the assembly line and operative to generate a noise signal in response to sensed acoustical vibrations;
(B) a carrier mounting said pick-up device for movement between a rest position and a working position adjacent the block of an engine assembly positioned at the work station;
(C) a motor, including a drive shaft and a driver secured to the free end of said drive shaft, mounted on said carrier for movement between a rest position and a working position in which said driver drivingly engages the near end of the crankshaft of an engine assembly positioned at the work station (D) an angle encoder mounted on said carrier, driven by said motor, and operative to generate a plurality of code signals for each revolution of the crankshaft of the engine assembly;
(E) a plurality of indicator means respectively corresponding to the cylinders of the engine assembly; and (F) a comparator receiving said code signals and said noise signals and operative to selectively activate or fail to activate each of said indicator means depending on the presence or absence of a noise signal in excess of a predetermined magnitude at the point of rotation of the crankshaft corresponding to a transitional position of the piston assembly operating in the corresponding cylinder of the engine assembly;
(G) said apparatus being for use with engine assemblies of the V-8 type and said carrier including a portion positioning said microphones in spaced relation over the engine assembly with said driver engaging the crankshaft of the engine assembly.
19. An apparatus according to claim 18 wherein:
(Q) said carrier portion positions said microphones one adjacent the engaged end of the crankshaft and the other adjacent the other end of the crankshaft.
(Q) said carrier portion positions said microphones one adjacent the engaged end of the crankshaft and the other adjacent the other end of the crankshaft.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US876,778 | 1986-06-20 | ||
| US06/876,778 US4730484A (en) | 1986-06-20 | 1986-06-20 | Missing bearing detector |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1276281C true CA1276281C (en) | 1990-11-13 |
Family
ID=25368561
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000540110A Expired - Lifetime CA1276281C (en) | 1986-06-20 | 1987-06-19 | Missing bearing detector |
Country Status (3)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US4730484A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA1276281C (en) |
| WO (1) | WO1987007951A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (21)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE3631243A1 (en) * | 1986-09-13 | 1988-03-24 | Bosch Gmbh Robert | SPARK PLUG WITH A MEASURING DEVICE |
| US4931949A (en) * | 1988-03-21 | 1990-06-05 | Monitoring Technology Corporation | Method and apparatus for detecting gear defects |
| US4885935A (en) * | 1988-06-27 | 1989-12-12 | Ford Motor Company | Engine testing system |
| US4854162A (en) * | 1988-06-27 | 1989-08-08 | Ford Motor Company | Method of locating friction generating defects in a multiple bearing assembly |
| US4984454A (en) * | 1988-06-27 | 1991-01-15 | Ford Motor Company | Engine testing system |
| US5402675A (en) * | 1990-01-26 | 1995-04-04 | Robert Bosch Gmbh | Method for recognizing the power stroke of a four-stroke engine |
| DE4025882A1 (en) * | 1990-05-11 | 1991-11-14 | Egm Entwicklung Montage | METHOD FOR TESTING IN PARTICULAR COMBUSTION ENGINES |
| DE4130846A1 (en) * | 1991-09-17 | 1993-03-18 | Egm Entwicklung Montage | METHOD FOR TESTING COMPONENTS FOR COMBUSTION ENGINES |
| US5492006A (en) * | 1993-11-29 | 1996-02-20 | Bauer Associates, Inc. | Method of testing internal combustion engine |
| CA2258577C (en) * | 1996-07-19 | 2005-05-24 | Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha | Method of testing assembled internal combustion engine |
| JPH1137898A (en) * | 1997-05-23 | 1999-02-12 | Daifuku Co Ltd | Facility for judging good/no good of engine |
| US6185995B1 (en) * | 1999-07-06 | 2001-02-13 | Abb Flexible Automation Inc. | Method and system for determining proper assembly of engine components |
| AT3351U3 (en) * | 1999-10-18 | 2000-09-25 | Avl List Gmbh | LIFTING PISTON |
| JP4315957B2 (en) † | 2003-12-12 | 2009-08-19 | 平田機工株式会社 | Engine motoring test equipment |
| DE102012105789A1 (en) * | 2012-06-29 | 2014-01-23 | Thyssenkrupp System Engineering Gmbh | Test method and test bench for the detection of noise vibration harshness emissions (NVH) of a motor aggregate |
| US9568397B2 (en) * | 2013-08-04 | 2017-02-14 | Abbas Hesani | Instant crankshaft device for piston engines and bearing shafts |
| CN107144430B (en) * | 2017-06-27 | 2019-02-01 | 电子科技大学 | A kind of Method for Bearing Fault Diagnosis based on incremental learning |
| WO2019089089A1 (en) * | 2017-11-06 | 2019-05-09 | Cummins, Inc. | System and method for on-engine component defect detection |
| US11306955B2 (en) * | 2019-05-02 | 2022-04-19 | Simmonds Precision Products, Inc. | Method of monitoring a shutdown cycle of an air cycle machine of an aircraft |
| CN110378034B (en) * | 2019-07-22 | 2021-09-03 | 中国中车股份有限公司 | Locomotive engine fault diagnosis method, system and implementation device |
| US11933366B2 (en) * | 2022-08-17 | 2024-03-19 | International Engine Intellectual Property Company, Llc | Connecting rod failure detection system and method |
Family Cites Families (14)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US2502601A (en) * | 1947-02-19 | 1950-04-04 | Stephen O Stanfield | Visible precision bearing testing tool |
| DE842861C (en) * | 1951-03-16 | 1952-07-03 | Rudolf Kraemer | Method and device for determining wear and tear and other bearing damage on crank drives |
| US3023609A (en) * | 1958-06-04 | 1962-03-06 | Gen Motors Corp | Flaw detection apparatus |
| US3400578A (en) * | 1965-12-06 | 1968-09-10 | Curtiss Wright Corp | Acoustical analyser for indicating faults in operative parts of highspeed engines |
| US3697865A (en) * | 1970-12-15 | 1972-10-10 | Scans Associates Inc | Method and apparatus for testing engines |
| DE2229372C3 (en) * | 1972-06-16 | 1978-11-30 | Daimler-Benz Ag, 7000 Stuttgart | Device for testing an electronically controlled fuel injection and / or an electronic ignition system in internal combustion engines |
| SU453602A1 (en) * | 1972-12-11 | 1974-12-15 | В. П. Тихонов, В. И. Батенин , А. И. Блинников | METHOD FOR ASSESSING TECHNICAL CONDITION OF BEARINGS |
| JPS55138616A (en) * | 1979-04-16 | 1980-10-29 | Kansai Electric Power Co Inc:The | Bearing fault discriminating device |
| JPS5672316A (en) * | 1979-11-16 | 1981-06-16 | Hitachi Ltd | Rubbing position identifier |
| JPS5790133A (en) * | 1980-11-26 | 1982-06-04 | Hitachi Ltd | Method and apparatus for diagnosis of damage in bearing |
| US4424709A (en) * | 1982-07-06 | 1984-01-10 | Ford Motor Company | Frequency domain engine defect signal analysis |
| US4448063A (en) * | 1983-02-03 | 1984-05-15 | Ingersoll-Rand Company | Engine cold testing |
| JPS59174732A (en) * | 1983-03-24 | 1984-10-03 | Mitsubishi Electric Corp | Apparatus for judging abnormality of gear unit |
| US4545249A (en) * | 1983-09-06 | 1985-10-08 | Trw Inc. | Acoustical position gage |
-
1986
- 1986-06-20 US US06/876,778 patent/US4730484A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
1987
- 1987-06-18 WO PCT/US1987/001463 patent/WO1987007951A1/en unknown
- 1987-06-19 CA CA000540110A patent/CA1276281C/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| US4730484A (en) | 1988-03-15 |
| WO1987007951A1 (en) | 1987-12-30 |
Similar Documents
| Publication | Publication Date | Title |
|---|---|---|
| CA1276281C (en) | Missing bearing detector | |
| EP0982579B1 (en) | Device for inspecting bearings of main motors of rolling stock | |
| EP2690271A1 (en) | Method and apparatus for diagnosing engine fault | |
| CA2774594C (en) | Oil debris monitor verification dry rig | |
| EP1116945A3 (en) | Method for detecting engine misfire | |
| KR20050107461A (en) | Condition-detecting device, method, and program, and information-recording medium | |
| US20020189312A1 (en) | Apparatus for deep rolling of recesses and radii of crankshaft journal bearings | |
| CA1314992C (en) | Method of locating friction generating defects in a multiple bearing assembly | |
| RU2337341C1 (en) | Method of vibration-based diagnostics of technical state of reciprocators on spectral invariants | |
| CN112213131B (en) | Rotary machine overhauls and fault diagnosis analog system | |
| ATE128766T1 (en) | MONITORING SYSTEM, ESPECIALLY FOR MOTORS, COMPRESSORS AND CYCLICAL MACHINES. | |
| KR20180033844A (en) | Fault Diagnosis System of Industrial Robot | |
| JP4488225B2 (en) | Inspection apparatus and inspection method | |
| CN206496901U (en) | A kind of box bearing fault detection system | |
| KR20080054466A (en) | Abrasion test device for piston ring | |
| JP2852661B2 (en) | Engine lubrication system inspection method | |
| CN113623151B (en) | Maintenance method for sealing leakage point of main bearing of wind driven generator | |
| KR101836937B1 (en) | Remote Mornitoring System of Caterpilar vehicles | |
| CN104764606A (en) | Axle hub assembly performance test equipment | |
| JPH10142104A (en) | Method for diagnosing abnormality in bearing part of rotary system | |
| US20150226639A1 (en) | Method of inspecting worn surfaces of camshaft lobes | |
| FI110337B (en) | Arrangements for temperature control in connection with a piston engine | |
| CN111007085B (en) | Debugging detection device and debugging detection method for inspection system | |
| US20020020211A1 (en) | Method for testing a completely or partially assembled combustion engine | |
| RU2239809C2 (en) | Method of diagnostics of rolling bearings |
Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKLA | Lapsed |